• Stackable Design Enables Multi-Element Optical Systems
• SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
• Accommodates Ø5 - Ø9 mm Optics by Purchasing a Small Optic Adapter
• Directly Compatible with Our 16 mm Cage Assembly Systems

These stackable Ø1/2" lens tubes provide a fast and easy means for building compact optical assemblies. Their stackable design and direct interfacing with any SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) components provide flexibility for complex optomechanical assemblies. One SM05RR retaining ring is included with each lens tube.

• SM05-Threaded (0.535"-40) Bore Directly Accepts Ø1/2" (12.7 mm) Optics
• Accommodates Ø5 - Ø9 mm Optics by Purchasing a Small Optic Adapter
• Unlike Stackable Lens Tubes, Optics can be Accessed from Both Ends
• Use Lens Tube Couplers to Stack Multiple Lens Tubes
• Allows Coupling of Two Externally SM05-Threaded Components

Unlike our Ø1/2" stackable lens tubes featured above, these internally threaded lens tubes do not feature a lip at one end nor do they have external SM05 threading. Therefore, optics housed inside can be accessed from both ends. To join these lens tubes end-to-end, use an SM05T2 Lens Tube Coupler. Two SM05RR retaining rings are included with each lens tube.

This stackable Ø1/2" lens tube with side slots provides a fast and easy means for building complex optical assemblies and adjusting the optics without disassembling the setup. Several optics can be inserted into a single tube using multiple SM05RR retaining rings. Simply thread the first retaining ring to the desired depth, add the optic, and then use a second retaining ring to secure the optic. Optics can be manually adjusted via the side slots without the use of a spanner wrench. The rotatable slip shield included with the lens tube fits over the lens tube slots to prevent unwanted light from entering the system and to keep the optical setup free from debris. Two retaining rings and one black plastic dust cover are included with each lens tube.

• SM05RR Retaining Rings Secure Ø1/2" Optics
• SM05LTRR Retaining Rings Provide Stress-Free, Light-Tight Mounting of Ø1/2" Components
• Spanner Wrenches Provide One-Handed Adjustment of SM05RR Retaining Rings
• SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can Accommodate Diameters from 0.15" (3.8 mm) to 3.0" (75 mm)

Thorlabs offers two different kinds of SM05 retaining rings. The SM05RR is our standard retaining ring that ships with our Ø1/2" lens tubes as well as many other Thorlabs components. If desirable, the SM05RR can be swapped out for a SM05LTRR, which is a retaining ring equipped with a Buna-N O-ring designed to reduce stress on the optical component and to produce a light-tight seal.

To position and adjust these retaining rings, choose one of our two spanner wrench options. The SPW603 Spanner Wrench has a hollow design that enables retaining rings for our SM05 series of lens tubes to be adjusted and installed without obscuring the beam path. The handle is knurled for improved grip. For use with longer lens tubes, multiple SPW603 spanning wrenches can be stacked to extend the wrench's maximum reach. Alternatively, the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench can also be used to position SM05RR or SM05LTRR retaining rings. Please note that the SPW801 wrench can withstand a maximum torque of 80 inch pounds. As an additional option, we also offer the SPB600 Spanner Wrench Bit Kit.

SM05 Lens Tube inside the SC05L24 Lens Tube Cover
Click to Enlarge

• 24" Long Plastic Cover for SM05 Lens Tubes
• Easy to Slip On and Off

The SC05L24 lens tube cover is designed to fit over SM05 lens tubes and is used to provide both light and dust protection. For example, this cover can be used to span the gap between any two SM05 fixed lens tubes, thereby enclosing the light path in an optical setup. The SC05L24 is 24" long, but it can be cut to any desired length by the end user. Please note that we recommend using a fine-toothed sawblade to cut the cover.